“It was the Lunnon constables!” Mr. Bruce burst out. “Molly Sue said…”
“Oh, no. No, no, no,” Molly Sue put in. “You are not going to drag me into this. The Duke of Tolware approached me, but when the accidents started, I was done.”
“It is an amazing thing that I am alive at all,” Mayson commented.
“Well!” exclaimed the magistrate, “You are clearly alive. It is your desire to take up your responsibilities?”
“Yes,” Mayson replied.
“So, Mr. Leroy Rutley, we are left with a pretty conundrum. It would be unkind to place the brunt of the blame on Mr. Bruce…”
“No, it would not!” Molly Sue spoke up. “He was tryin’ to toadeat the Duke by taking care of his little problem.” She put a sarcastic twist on the words. “Mr. Bruce is not near so nice when the house folk are not around. He tried to corner Betty twice, an’ her scarcely more’n a child. An’, I might add, the Duke tried his hand at Mrs. Swinton, so he ain’t so pure his own self.”
“Mrs. Swinton, did the Duke approach you with an offer?”
“Yes, Your Worship.”
The Duchess nearly exploded. “Darrius! How could you! You know my feelings on this. You know I turned off the previous companion for flirting with you. And besides, you are promised to Blanche.”
The magistrate glowered at both Mr. Bruce and the Duke. “What is it that I am supposed to do with you?” he growled.“You are not quite murderers, though it would seem not for lack of trying. I cannot let you run around the country to get up to more mischief. Next time you might succeed. Moreover, Duke, it appears that you are but a few short steps from debtor’s prison.”
Blanche stood up. “Give them to me,” she said.
“To you?” the magistrate asked incredulously.
“Darrius is my intended. As the Duchess pointed out, we were hand-fasted when we were still children. I think it might be time to move on into marriage. As his wife, I believe I might have a positive influence. As for Mr. Bruce, however misguided it might have been, I believe he has shown his loyalty to the Duke. With training and supervision, I think he might make an excellent bodyguard.”
“Very well,” said the magistrate. “What say you, Constable Morris?”
“I say that you are the magistrate, not I,” the constable said. “But I would rather not have such goings on in our area.”
“Then I sentence the Duke of Tolware and Mr. Bruce to make all reparations to injured parties, to pay all outstanding debts, and to be remanded into the loving care of Miss Notley, providing her father will stand surety for their behavior. But if either of you engage in such capers again, I shall see you in Old Bailey, see if I do not!”
The magistrate glowered around the room. “Now, as for you, Mr. Leroy Rutley, I have my doubts that you are as innocent as you would have us believe. Your nephew is known as a fine cook and a gentleman who behaves with honor, even without benefit of title or station. I believe that a few years in New South Wales would do you good, and keep you away from spreading your influence farther.” The magistrate looked as if he wanted a gavel to tap.
Mayson waved his handkerchief at him and tried to rise.
“Yes, Lord Hillsworth. Is there something more?”
“Just one thing, Your Worship, I would like to announce that I have asked Mrs. Swinton to become my wife, and she has agreed.”
The magistrate blinked. “This is most irregular.”
Evelyn tugged at Mayson’s sleeve. “Mayson! You will need to wed someone rich and powerful.”
“Evelyn,” Mayson said, turning to her, “I have worked beside you in health. You stood by me in sickness. When I disappeared, you insisted that I be found, and moved the entire village to do it. You are rich in kindness, noble in spirit, and the only lady I wish to take to wife. Please, dear heart, just say yes.”
“Yes, Mayson. But…”
“As you all have witnessed here, I have asked and she has agreed. Let no man or woman try to put us asunder.”
“Hear, hear!” cried the Duchess, clapping her hands together. “Two weddings to plan.” As the room burst into applause, she leaned across the table and murmured, “Darrius, you and I are going to have a long, long, talk.”
“I would like to join you for that talk,” Blanche murmured equally softly.
Mayson put his arm around Evelyn, and she gently leaned into his warmth. “I told you I would make a lady of you,” he said quietly.
“So you did,” she replied. “And you, Mayson Rutley, are the most amazing gentleman in the world.”
